What's wrong with Michigan Basketball?

Tuesday night in Columbus figured to be a raucous environment. Ohio State, coming off a close loss to Indiana last weekend, and in desperate need of a victory, would be ready to roll. Michigan, on the other hand, was in the midst of a two game win streak over the last-place teams in the Big Ten, Penn State and Minnesota. Many were hoping Michigan had turned the proverbial "corner," but as we saw in OSU's drubbing of the Wolverines last night, that's not the case. Here are a few reasons why Michigan continues to struggle:

                                       Michigan Freshman Center Ricky Doyle

1) Michigan is once again one of the youngest teams in the nation. The starting rotation consists of three underclassmen, with four more playing meaningful minutes off the bench. John Beilein has a history (especially at Michigan) of winning with players that are lightly or under-recruited coming out of high school (Zack Novak, Stu Douglass, Trey Burke, Jordan Morgan, and Nik Stauskas come to mind). However, the new freshman class of six has developed at a slower pace than previous classes. Forward Kam Chatman, a consensus top-30 national prospect out of high school, has struggled to adjust to the speed and physicality of the college game. Aubrey Dawkins, while providing key shooting off the bench, is a one-dimensial player, and teams will start to adjust to his offensive tendencies (outside shooting, and more outside shooting). Ricky Doyle has been a bright spot, becoming Michigan's most effective big man. Despite his success, he still lacks rebounding toughness and an ability to finish around the hoop against contact. In time, these three can be key contributors, as well as the other three freshman, but patience is key.

2) Losing five starters early to the NBA draft has drastically set Michigan back. Back-to-back Big Ten players of the year, Trey Burke and Nik Stauskas, left for the NBA draft as sophomores, as did Mitch McGary and Glenn Robinson III. Tim Hardaway also bolted following the 2013 Final Four with a year of eligibility remaining. NCAA tournament success that Michigan fans have been blessed with the last two years has suddenly become the bar for success for this program, and realistically (unless you're Kentucky or Duke) cannot be repeated when you lose such integral parts of the program early to the NBA.

3) Despite solid freshman seasons, Zak Irvin and Derrick Walton Jr. have failed to take the necessary leaps forward to be able to carry this team through its youth struggles. Irvin, while being a key scorer for this Michigan team, has shown to be one of the streakiest shooters Michigan has had in recent memory. When shots aren't falling, we also see defensive lapses and careless turnovers, which led to a benching in the second half by Beilein in last night's game. Walton Jr. has dealt with a recurring toe injury, and looks to be a shell of the player we saw in high school and throughout last year. He had a fantastic game on Saturday against Minnesota, but was almost invisible last night. When healthy, I think he has the potential to be the Big Ten's best point guard, but he needs to get healthy and gain confidence back in his shot and finishing ability around the hoop.

4) Last but not least, Caris LeVert. Projected by many, including ESPN, as a preseason first team All-American, LeVert has not lived up to the hype. A summer injury to his foot forced him to miss eight weeks of crucial development time this summer, and it certainly is showing on the court. Streaky shooting, questionable decision making (turnovers!), and at times, horrendous defense have characterized his junior season. The most troubling of those three is the lack of intensity and focus he shows at times on the defensive end, which could be an issue of effort. At a lanky 6'6", he is the primary defender Michigan uses to defend the opposition's best wing or 2 guard. He has the talent and quickness, but the focus needs to be there 100% of the time for Michigan to at least be a decent defensive team.

These issues have so far led Michigan to a mediocre 10-7 record, and at this point, a berth to the NCAA tournament looks unlikely. Patience will be key with this team, and they will win their fair share of games, but as we saw last night, we can't expect consistency on a nightly basis from such a young group.

Michigan Basketball Preview 2014-15

Contrary to popular belief, Michigan still has teams that are competitive in sports! Coming off back-to-back elite seasons (a Final Four appearance followed by a heartbreaking Elite 8 loss), Michigan will once again be one of the youngest teams in the country. Gone are All-American Nik Stauskas, elite athlete Glenn Robinson III, and versatile, yet oft-injured big man Mitch McGary. It's not all doom and gloom in Ann Arbor, however. Solid recruiting and fantastic player development has Michigan in a position to surprise again. Michigan has the looks of an elite offensive squad (not surprising during Beilein's tenure), and a questionable squad on the defensive end (also not surprising). Let's take a look at the returning players and incoming freshman. I'll provide in-depth detail at Michigan's rotation in the following paragraphs.

                                                     Junior Guard Caris LeVert

Point Guard

Sophomore Derrick Walton Jr, Detroit, MI: Coming off a solid, yet inconsistent freshman campaign, Walton looks to take the biggest jump forward of any Wolverine. He was a solid catalyst for the offense, averaging almost 3 assists per game and shooting 40% from the 3-point line. A recurring problem, acknowledged by head coach John Beilein, was his lack of aggression and the willingness to "take over" games. As Walton matures, I look for him to be more of a leader on offense, and be willing to shoot first, then pass, more often. If he takes the next step, the ceiling for this Michigan team rises exponentially.

Junior Spike Albrecht, Crown Point, IN: Perhaps infamous for his first half performance in the 2013 National Championship game against Louisville, Albrecht remains a solid backup to Walton, as he is capable of knocking down shots and being a solid floor leader when called upon. Look for 10-15 minutes a game from Albrecht, both at the point guard spot and the 2 guard spot, as Michigan often utilizes a two-point guard system when facing heavy pressure defenses (VCU, anyone?). Albrecht is rock solid and should provide high-quality minutes and low turnover numbers in his third season.

Shooting Guard

Junior Caris LeVert, Columbus, OH: A preseason All-American and 2015 projected lottery pick, LeVert will most likely shoulder the offensive load for Michigan this year. An improved perimeter defender a year ago, LeVert seemingly came out of nowhere to average 14 points per game for a loaded Michigan offensive attack. With the ability to knock down perimeter shots, as well as get to the basket at will, LeVert is a complete offensive player. Add in an extra 15 pounds he gained this offseason, and you have a player who will not be afraid to get physical down low. I'm expecting big things from LeVert, and I would be surprised if he wasn't a first team All Big Ten performer by the end of the season.

Shooting Guard/Small Forward

Freshmen Muhammed Ali Abdur-Rahkman (Allentown, PA)/Aubrey Dawkins (Palo Alto, CA): Two lightly recruited players coming out of high school, these two young studs should actually play valuable minutes in a guard-heavy Michigan lineup this year. Abdur-Rahkman is an older freshman (20 years old) and is comfortable with the ball in his hands, as he showed on Michigan's 4-game Italy exhibition tour. He reached the rim at will, often getting fouled and getting to the free throw line. Dawkins, on the other hand, is a freak athlete capable of knocking down perimeter shots at a high rate. He has the size and wing span to be an elite defender, as well, and I look for both of these freshman to play around 10-15 minutes a game at either the 2 or 3 spots.

Small Forward

Sophomore Zak Irvin, Fishers, IN: Along with LeVert, Irvin looks to shoulder the offensive load for the Wolverines in the upcoming season. Coming off a freshman season shooting almost exclusively three-pointers, Irvin has tirelessly worked with Assistant Coach LaVall Jordan this offseason in his ball-handling and rim attacking. He led Michigan in scoring on the Italy trip, and with his massive size (almost 6'7") and wide wing span, he is a mismatch problem on the outside. If utilized correctly, he could lead Michigan in scoring and three point shooting. Look for a big year from Irvin.

Small Forward/Power Forward

Freshmen Kameron Chatman, Portland OR: Chatman could truly be the key to Michigan being great this year, as he is perhaps the most versatile big man John Beilein has had at his disposal during his Michigan tenure. Chatman can play either of the 3 guard/wing positions, despite his size. He is a fantastic ball handler, can score in the paint, and can knock down the outside shot. Look for Michigan to use him primarily at the 3/4 positions. I expect him to start, as well.

Power Forward

Redshirt Freshman Mark Donnal, Monclova, OH: Coming off a necessary redshirt year that was fueled by his need to put on good weight, Donnal figures to be a large part of the rotation in the coming year. Perhaps Beilein's first stretch four with an outside-shooting ability in Ann Arbor, Donnal can also play with his back to the basket. An impressive offensive repertoire is balanced out but his small size, however, and has struggled in practice against larger players. Proper positioning and technique will allow him to play adequate defense, but this could be a concern for Michigan moving forward.

Freshman D.J. Wilson, Sacramento, CA: Another stretch four, the highly touted freshman comes to Ann Arbor possessing a wide offensive skill set. He is fantastic around the basket and has good range that stretches out to 18-20 feet. Coming off a hand injury that saw him miss all 4 games of Michigan's Italy trip, Wilson is healthy for fall practice, and should earn a solid rotation spot given his offensive skills. However, like Donnal, his skinny stature will need work for the physical Big Ten schedule he will face for the first time. 

Center

Freshmen Ricky Doyle, Cape Coral, FL: Another true freshman (young squad, I know), Doyle comes to Ann Arbor with a more ready-to-play body than most. At a solid 250 pounds, and the only true center on the Wolverines roster, look for him to get the starting nod at the 5 spot, being spelled by Donnal on occasion. Doyle is solid with both hands around the rim and is a ferocious rebounder, which will be key for Michigan, a team that has struggled with defensive rebounding since Beilein's arrival (small teams = bad rebounding). Doyle will go through the freshman bumps, of course, but he is ready to be  key contributor on a solid team.

2014 Michigan Football Preview - Offense

Quarterbacks:

Michigan returns every QB from its 2013 roster for the upcoming season, with 5th year senior Devin Gardner (Detroit, MI) leading the way. Despite an offensive line that failed to adequately protect him during a large portion of the schedule, Gardner threw for almost 3,000 yards and 21 touchdowns, as he led the Big Ten in YPA at 8.6 Y/A. Brady Hoke has been adamant throughout the spring and early part of the summer that Gardner had to earn his starting spot, but he is in reality the only option for a team that needs to have a bounce-back year. Expect to see Gardner more comfortable in the pocket this year under the tutelage of new offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier, a proven QB guru who should get the most out of Gardner's potential. 2nd on the depth chart appears to be sophomore Shane Morris (Warren, MI), who started one game last year (Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl against Kansas State). While he performed admirably in filling in for the injured Gardner, Morris failed to go through his progressions downfield, as he often settled for his first receiver or tucking the ball and running. I would expect to see him get significant game action this year, to prepare him to take over the QB reins for the 2015 season. Rounding out the depth chart are redshirt junior Russell Bellomy (Arlington, TX) and true freshman Wilton Speight (Richmond, VA).

                                                  Senior QB Devin Gardner

Running Backs

Perhaps the toughest spot to project on the roster (aside from the offensive line), the running backs are looking for a bounce back year. While the offensive line was historically bad in 2013, youth and poor play overall contributed to a rushing attack that ranked near the bottom of the FBS. Michigan returns two large contributors, sophomores De'Veon Smith (Warren, Ohio) and Derrick Green (Richmond, VA). Derrick Green came to Ann Arbor last fall as a consensus 5-star recruit and prep All-American, but was plagued by weight issues from the start of fall camp until the bowl game. After dropping 20 pounds this offseason, he figures to see significant playing time this fall. However, my guess is that Smith is named the opening day starter, barring a strong preseason camp from Green. Redshirt sophomore Drake Johnson (Ann Arbor, MI) is coming off an ACL injury and also is looking for playing time, as he was one of Michigan's top options at RB last season before his injury suffered in the home opener against Central Michigan. USC transfer Ty Isaac (Shorewood, Ill), also a prep superstar and consensus 5-star recruit, hopes to receive a hardship waiver from the NCAA to make him immediately eligible to play this fall. If he is granted that waiver, look for him to possibly start the opener, as his combination of size (6'3", 225) and speed give offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier an ideal option at running back.

                                                 Sophomore RB Derrick Green

Wide Receivers

Despite losing All-Big Ten receiver Jeremy Gallon, Michigan enters this fall with loads of talent at the receiver position. Led by junior Devin Funchess (Farmington Hills, MI) and redshirt sohopomore Amara Darboh (Des Moines, Iowa), Michigan should have no shortage of options on the outside. Funchess completes his move from tight end to receiver this fall, as his inability to block effectively as a tight end, coupled with his elite size and speed, made this move to receiver a no-brainer. Darboh returns after an achilles injury in preseason camp last fall, and figures to be a precise route-runner, as well as another deep threat opposite Funchess, giving the QB a reliable target on the outside. True freshman Freddy Canteen (Wilmington, DE) has impressed as an early enrollee, as his time learning the playbook from spring practice as him listed as number one on the depth chart at the slot. Redshirt sophomore Jehu Chesson (St. Louis, MO) and sophomore Da'Mario Jones (Westland, MI) also figure to see playing time. Heralded freshman Drake Harris (Grand Rapids, MI) continues to be plagued by hamstring issues, and is currently not participating in contact drills in practice.

                                             Junior Receiver Devin Funchess

Tight End

Before the injury to stud sophomore Jake Butt (Pickerington, OH), Michigan had both depth and versatility at tight end. Butt tore his ACL in spring practice, which will prevent him from seeing game action until at least early October. Butt came into his own in the Ohio State game, as he proved himself to be both a downfield threat and a reliable blocker when needed. Taking his place as number one on the depth char will most likely be junior A.J. Williams (Cincinnati, OH), known for his blocking but unproven as a pass-catcher. Behind him on the depth chart are redshirt junior Keith Heitzman (Hilliard, Ohio) and redshirt freshman Khalid Hill (Detroit, MI). A wild-card for playing time could be true freshman Ian Bunting (Hinsdale, Ill), and elite pass-catcher from high school that needs to fill out his frame before being considered a realistic option to play as an every-down tight end. However, the raw ability is there, and could give Michigan another pass catching option.

Offensive Line

Finally, the much-maligned Michigan offensive line. Often the scapegoat of last year's disastrous running attack, offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier has simplified the schemes and plans to use a zone-rushing attack, as opposed to last year when Michigan bounced between different blocking styles. Despite losing first team All-American Taylor Lewan (left tackle) and All-Big Ten right tackle Michael Schoefield, both coaches and fans expect improvement. Early reports out of preseason camp are positive, as last year's woes have produced an increase in intensity and competition. Locks to start are redshirt sophomore Eric Magnuson (San Diego, CA) and redshirt junior Graham Glasgow (Aurora, Ill). Magnuson, originally recruited as a left tackle, has been rumored as the starter at left guard (more on this in a bit). Glasgow was Michigan's starter at center last year, and was inconsistent. He is currently suspended for the opener against Appalachian State, but he is a lock to start at either center or right guard. At left tackle, true freshman Mason Cole (Tarpon Springs, FL) has impressed Michigan's coaching staff from the moment he stepped on campus as an early enrollee in January. There are still two weeks until the opener, but don't be surprised to see Michigan start a true freshman at left tackle. At center, expect redshirt junior Jack Miller (Perrysburg, OH) to start the opener in Glasgow's place. If he performs well, he could become a full time starter, sliding Glasgow to right guard. If Glasgow remains at center, expect one of the trio of Kyle Bosch (St. Charles, Ill), Kyle Kalis (Lakewood, OH) or David Dawson (Detroit, MI) to win the job at right guard. Kalis was the starter a year ago, and despite his massive size, he often had trouble picking up correct blocking assignments. At right tackle, redshirt sophomore Ben Braden (Rockwood, MI) should be your opening day starter, as he possesses both long arms and quick feet to lock down the position. Michigan should be much improved on the offensive line this year, but we need to see results on the field.

As always, Go Blue!

Final Thoughts - Michigan Basketball 2014

As I sit here and write this a full 24 hours after the game, I don’t think I fully comprehend what I witnessed yesterday. And it’s probably more painful to think about the shot now than it was during the actual game. After Michigan scored on its final possession, I was both ecstatic and shocked at the same time, as we had come back to tie the game after seemingly having no chance minutes earlier. I braced myself for any scenario possible, whether it be forcing the game into overtime or losing in regulation. I didn’t expect us to be in this situation. Down 72-65 with just over three minutes left, Kentucky had full control of the game. But like every obstacle Michigan faced throughout the season, they overcame these obstacles and defied the odds. After a wild possession that saw Michigan tip the ball in with 27 seconds left to tie the score at 72, you had the feeling that Michigan might get that crucial stop on the defensive end that had eluded them all day.

This did not happen. Aaron Harrison, a middling, 34% three point shooter, faded away from 25 feet with Caris LeVert directly in his face. This did not matter, as Harrsion buried the shot, reminiscent of Trey Burke against Kansas in last year’s Sweet 16. Nik Stauskas heaved a desperation attempt from half court as time expired, but it barely grazed the backboard. Kentucky players ran across the floor to greet the bench after the clock hit zero, as it had just punched its ticket to Dallas next weekend. Michigan players, from what I could see, looked just as shocked as the Wolverine faithful. You almost got the sense that this magical season wasn’t ready to come to an end.

I said earlier that I thought I had prepared myself for any outcome. As the shot went in for Kentucky, I crumpled to my knees in absolute disbelief. Both my friends and I ask myself sometimes why I care so much about something I can’t control. These are college athletes, kids my age that go through the normal ups and downs that regular college students go through on a daily basis. But college basketball is unlike any sport in the world. College students feel one with the team. We win with the team, and lose with the team. At home games we sit 15 feet from the court, listening to the coaches and players in the heat of the game. We feel included with them, because we can relate to them, and even recognize how hard it is to do what they do. This is what makes cheering for them fun; we understand that they carry a heavy workload as student-athletes, and that they are just normal kids like us. They have to appease an entire fan base of kids and adults alike that are more than willing to dish out criticism without fully understanding all that these student-athletes must deal with athletically and academically. 

I care so much about this team because I miss the camaraderie that sports used to provide me prior to college. My senior baseball season was extremely special, not because of the games we won or lost, but because of the friends I was able to share some incredible experiences with. We had fun, whether it be at practice, during games, or during winter conditioning. When I watched Michigan this year, the team reminded me of my senior year baseball team. You could tell these guys truly cared about each other. They were entirely selfless; all they cared about was winning for Michigan. That’s why I feel so proud right now to be able to call myself a fan of this incredible school and basketball program.

How can you not feel happy for the team? Facing adversity early in the season, they banded together and were determined to prove outsiders of the locker room wrong. They accomplished so much; they won Michigan’s first outright Big Ten title in nearly three decades, played in the Big 10 tournament championship game, and reached its second consecutive elite 8. Quite the list of accomplishments for a team many predicted wouldn’t make the NCAA tournament in late December.

I’m so disappointed by the way the season ended, but so proud of the program Michigan Basketball has become. Sure, I wanted to go to Dallas next week, as I was ready to purchase my airline tickets directly after the game. But like in life, sometimes we can learn what things are truly important even through loss. This team stuck together, defied the odds, and had a fantastic season that most schools dream about. How am I supposed to stay upset? Every player should hold his head high, as they won and lost the right way; with class and dignity, representing the University of Michigan well every step along the way. John Beilein has cemented himself as a premier coach in college basketball, and we’ll be back on this stage again, I have no doubt. And next time, we’ll come through, and win the right way.

It’s been so fun covering this season and writing, so I just want to thank everyone who has reached out to me. I truly hope you enjoyed reading my thoughts on Michigan basketball just as much as I had writing them.

As always, Go Blue!

Video of The Day 3/31/14

Happy Opening Day everyone! Arguably the best holiday of the year. Probably my favorite Opening Day memory. DY getting on track for his 486 home run season (unfortunately it didn't pan out like that). Love watching the classic Dimitri Young coast around the bases, chain flopping around, right arm across his chest, only to finish it off by pointing at his boys in section 121 (see 1:16). Go Tigers!

Road to Dallas - Elite 8

Lucas Oil Stadium - Indianapolis, IN

In less than 6 hours, Michigan will play John Calipari and his Kentucky Wildcats for a spot in the Final Four. To think that just 3 months ago that Michigan was 6-4, about to lose Mitch McGary for the year, and being an afterthought to the national media makes this so much sweeter. I can't begin to fully comprehend the job that John Beilein and his staff have done with such a young team, one that lost two NBA first round picks and a preseason All-American to injury.

After making the trip to Atlanta last April for Michigan's first Final Four in two decades, I wasn't sure this experience could ever be topped. On Friday morning, I made the drive to Indianapolis with my Dad to view both Midwest Regional semifinal games, Michigan - Tennessee and Kentucky - Louisville. While the overall experience has yet to even come close to topping Atlanta, it has been incredible nonetheless. After a game in which Michigan dominated for 37 minutes and decided to let Tennessee come back and steal a victory, I was able to witness a rivalry game that truly gave me goosebumps. The passion that Kentucky and Louisville fans have for their schools is ridiculous, for lack of a better word. The noise level at points in the game made me feel like I was watching a football game (we were in a football stadium, after all). These games only further made the case that college basketball is the best sport out there. The passion shown by both players and fans alike is unparalleled in any other sport (see Adam Morrison bawling like a baby on the floor BEFORE Gonzaga had even lost in the Sweet 16 to UCLA in 2006).

Michigan may not win tomorrow. Kentucky has perhaps the most talent compiled on any team in all of college basketball. They start five freshman that were all 5-star recruits in the 2013 recruiting rankings. They have size (Johnson and Randle both are taller than 6'9") and skill, as the Harrison twins and James Young can all hit shots from the perimeter. All of their guards hover around 6'6", meaning they are one of the few teams that can match Michigan's length on the wings. Despite this overwhelming level of talent the Wildcats have, you get the feeling that John Beilein and Michigan relish the underdog role. Despite being in the Elite 8, they continue to receive no attention from the national media, and both the team and fan base are completely fine with that. Let the pundits doubt John Beilein, he may have something special in store today.

Go Blue!

NCAA Sweet 16 Predictions

I know everyone is shocked that I am no longer in contention for the billion dollar bracket. I am just as shocked as you are. Probably even more shocking is that I have neither of my championship game picks left and basically zero shot of winning any money whatsoever. To put the icing on the cake, I made one of the worst "locks of the day" in history with Cincinnati giving 3. I may or may not have been on record saying they would "dominate Harvard by 20".

@ADBanch24 Awesome pick bro.
— Adam Banchiu (@ADBanch24) March 20, 2014

Can't get much worse than the first weekend so I have full confidence that the second weekend predictions will be perfect. There is no other way to look at it. Regardless if that previous statement is true, I can't come out of this weekend looking worse than Roddy White. Don't expect me to put season tickets on the line (or anything for that matter) with these predictions.

CBS will show Archie Miller's wife at least 10 times vs. Stanford. 

Enter Morgan Miller. The trophy wife for Archie Miller had been hidden from the majority of the college hoops world until the waning moments of Dayton's victory over Syracuse.

Ok so she's no Amanda Enfield, but she is definitely this year's March darling.  We can only hope that Verne Lynquist and Bill Raftery go all Brent Musburger Friday. We've seen Raftery obsess over Aaron Craft, with one of my all time favorites, "Look at the pipes on that kid!". I can only imagine the reaction for Morgan. I picture it something along the lines of "Check the chiclets on her!" or "Archie Miller with a little ricochet romance and finish with a kiss! The prediction of 10 is probably actually on the safe side. CBS will be sure to show her during any and every suspenseful moment. The last 5 minutes alone might include more camera time for Morgan than actual game action itself.

The "Harri" will combine for 45 points 

No, I am not missing a letter or word in the title. Clearly, "Harri" is referring to the Gary Harris for Michigan State and Joe Harris for Virginia. It's not rocket science, people, it's like how stimulus becomes stimuli, or alumni, or fungi, or...you get the picture. Then again, thinking about it might be as complicate as rocket science. Seriously, who thought it was not only appropriate, but more functional to have these words end in "i"? Ok, we are getting dangerously off topic, let's get back to the "Harri". Joe Harris, in my opinion, is the best scorer in the ACC. He has tremendous size over Gary who you have to believe will be matched up with him. Gary has played well thus far in the tournament, but hasn't had a break out scoring game. It's simple math, Payne had a career high in game 1 (41), Dawson had a career high in game 2 (24), next in line would have to be Gary or Valentine and i'm putting my money ( figuratively, guys) on Harris. 

P.S. A career high for Gary would be 27+ so that leaves Joe with at the most 18 points. So relax, we still come out ahead in the scenario. 

The B1G will have 3 Teams in the Final Four

Definitely my most substantial prediction of this blog post. I honestly believe that Wisconsin, Michigan, and Michigan State are each the best teams left in their respective brackets. If we look at it in terms of who has best chances, Michigan has to top the list. Sure, Tennesee is the "hot" team right now, but it's not even close how much better Michigan is than the Volunteers. Moving forward to the Elite Eight matchup, both Louisville and Kentucky will be exhausted from a hard fought rivalry game. I think Kentucky poses a bigger problem for Michigan. Louisville doesn't have enough scoring options and doesn't have anyone to exploit Michigan's lack of depth in the post. Kentucky's athleticism and talent on floor obviously scares people, especially if the are clicking. That being said, I think this Michigan team is a well oiled machine and will have enough to over come a monstrous game from Julius Randle.

You will get Afternoon Delight stuck in your head by the end of the weekend. 

It's inevitable. Taco Bell's new commercial features Starland Vocal Band's Afternoon Delight in what could possibly be the catchiest earworm since Chilli's "Baby Back Ribs" jingle (I realize that's not the actual commercial, but come on that's way better). Let's say you get lucky and miss it the first time. I can guarantee someone you are watching the games with didn't and will either start humming or singing the tune. Before you know it you are subconsciously doing the same. This is ultimately worse than getting it directly from the commercial, because you will be in the middle of doing it and will have to stop and ask you're viewing companion, "Were you just singing that or am I just going crazy?". They will confirm that they were indeed responsible and then, before you know it, everyone jumps in and it becomes a full on Anchorman rendition.